Rex Oliver Parsons Jr.

Rex Oliver Parsons Jr., 82, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Corridor Crossing Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A Memorial Service will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the funeral home, where an additional one-hour visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion.

Rex was born on July 11, 1942, in Guthrie County, Iowa, the son of Rex Sr. and Josephine (Freese) Parsons. He was a Des Moines Tech High School graduate, where he was a track star and ran cross country. He went on to attend Iowa State University. On November 15, 1980, Rex was united in marriage to Sandra “Sandy” Baker in Urbandale, Iowa. He had various jobs in municipal government including supervisor for public works in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, Urbandale, Iowa, and Marion, as well as customer service for APAC in Cedar Rapids, until his retirement in 2012.

A devoted fan of NASCAR, Rex found joy in the thrill of the race and shared his enthusiasm with friends and family alike. His adventurous spirit led him on remarkable journeys, including thrilling motorcycle rides and memorable tent camping trips throughout the USA, where he reveled in nature's beauty. In addition to his love for the open road and the great outdoors, Rex enjoyed playing softball and bowling, where he showcased his competitive spirit. His interests extended to the intricate workings of trains and airplanes, reflecting a curiosity about the world around him. He was truly looking forward to pursuing woodworking in his retirement. Rex was not only a man of adventure but also of humor. His great sense of humor brought laughter into many lives, and he will be remembered for his lighthearted banter. Known for his stubbornness, he possessed a determination that was often admired by those around him. This blend of tenacity and kindness was appreciated by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Rex is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Sandy Parsons; children, R.J. (Natalie) Parsons of Indianola, Iowa, Chris Hopkins of Runnells, Iowa, and Terry (Keren) Parsons of Maine; grandchildren, Tyler (Brittany) Hopkins, Amanda (Anthony) Jondle, Lindsey Parsons (Roy Obregon), Austin Parsons, and Dylan Parsons, and; three great grandchildren; brother, Earl Parsons of Des Moines, Iowa; and daughter-in-law, Julie (Loren) Olson of Marion; as well as nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jesse Huggins; sister, Linda Bethards; and many beloved cats who he had throughout his life.

Memorials in Rex’s memory may be directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.